When summer hits, it can be hard to stay cool and hydrated. While reaching for a sugary or caffeinated drink may seem like the best way to quench your thirst, iced water is one of the healthiest options. It’s calorie-free, inexpensive, and refreshing perfect for beating the summer heat! To make your next glass of iced water even more enjoyable, try out these five healthy recipes:
- Tropical Mango Iced Water: This recipe is perfect for those who want to add an extra kick of flavor to their iced water. Simply blend one diced mango with 1 4 cups of pineapple juice and 1/2 cup of coconut milk until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve and mix with cold filtered water in a large pitcher. Add sliced strawberries and kiwi slices as a garnish for an added pop of color!
- Minty Lemonade Iced Water: This classic combination will not only keep you hydrated but also help you fight off pesky summertime bugs like mosquitos! In a blender, mix together 4 cups of cold filtered water with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar, 10 mint leaves, and 2 tablespoons grated ginger root until smooth. Taste before serving over ice cubes or strain if desired. Garnish with lemon slices if desired delicious!
- Peach Basil Iced Water: For an extra flavorful option that’s just as hydrating as plain old H20, give this tangy peach basil concoction a try! Muddle 3-4 pieces of fresh peaches in a bowl before adding them into a blender along with 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 4-6 basil leaves tear them up first & 1 teaspoon of agave nectar or honey. Blend everything together on high speed then strain into tall glasses filled with ice cubes & enjoy! Don’t forget to garnish each glass with some thin slices of peach & sprigs of fresh basil so pretty & tasty!
- Cucumber Ginger-Infused Water: If you are looking for something even healthier than plain old H20 this summer, then cucumber ginger-infused water is a perfect choice! Start by slicing up one cucumber, four wedges of lime, and three thin slices of fresh ginger root. Place all ingredients in two liters of filtered cold water, cover & let steep overnight in the refrigerator. Once ready to serve, pour over tall glasses filled with ice cubes & enjoy!
- Strawberry Rosemary Infused Water: Another great way to stay hydrated during hot days is strawberry rosemary-infused water. Start by mixing together 8 ounces of chopped strawberries, 6 sprigs rosemary & 8 ounces of sugar in a 16 oz mason jar. Fill the jar up the remaining space using cold filtered water from a tap or bottle. Let steep overnight in the fridge before straining into tall glasses filled with crushed ice cubes! Enjoy this sweet yet earthy-flavored drink all summer long!
These five delicious recipes will help keep you cool this season while providing plenty of vitamins and minerals making them perfectly healthy options when it comes time to quench your thirst on hot days ahead!